Hydrow

Overview

Hydrow produces connected rowing machines for at-home use, featuring an HD touchscreen that streams live and on-demand workouts led by athletes to simulate on-water rowing.¹²³ The company positions itself in the connected fitness market with electromagnetic drag technology mimicking water resistance and a subscription-based content ecosystem.²⁴ It competes with brands like Peloton through emphasis on rowing-specific experiences and expansion into related workouts such as yoga and Pilates.²⁴

History

Hydrow was founded in 2017 by Bruce Smith, a former U.S. National Team rowing coach, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.¹²³⁵ Key milestones include a 2018 Indiegogo campaign raising over $1M, 2019 commercial launch of the flagship rower with $25M Series A funding, and 2022 launch of the Hydrow Wave with $200M Series C.² The company experienced rapid growth during the 2020 pandemic, expanded internationally in 2021, and introduced AI-driven features by 2024.²

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Hydrow's products are manufactured in Massachusetts, United States.¹ Details on in-house versus outsourced production are not specified in available sources.

Notable Products

• Hydrow Rower - Flagship full-motion rowing machine with electromagnetic drag and live workout streaming.
• Hydrow Wave - Space-saving rower with 16-inch HD screen and portable design.
• Hydrow Core - Add-on strength trainer with AI form tracking for rowing users.
• CREW Software - Platform delivering on-water rowing workouts and instructions via touchscreen.

Reputation

Hydrow is recognized among fitness enthusiasts for its immersive on-water simulation and high-quality build, often praised for engaging rowing workouts that engage more muscles than cycling.⁴ Professionals note its rapid growth and funding success amid connected fitness competition.²³ Criticisms include high pricing and reliance on subscription for full value, similar to peers like Peloton.²